The concept of “development as freedom” is primarily associated with the economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, who argues that true development cannot be measured merely by economic growth or wealth accumulation but must focus on the expansion of individuals’ freedoms and capabilities. Sen’s approach redefines development by emphasizing human well-being, social justice, and empowerment rather…
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Patterns of communal politics in India
Communal politics refers to the use of religious or ethnic identity as a political tool to gain power, often leading to division, conflict, and polarization within society. In India, communal politics has been a significant and complex issue, as the country is home to a diverse range of religious, linguistic, and cultural groups. While India’s…
Agrarian transformation and land reform movements in India
Agrarian transformation and land reform movements have been central to the development of India’s rural economy and society. The agrarian structure in India, shaped by centuries of feudal practices and colonial land policies, has been a major source of inequality, exploitation, and rural distress. Land reform movements, which began during the colonial period and continued…
Political importance of the multiparty system in India
India’s political system is characterized by a multiparty framework, which allows for a broad spectrum of political ideologies and interests to find expression within the system. The multiparty system is fundamental to the functioning of Indian democracy, reflecting the country’s diversity, pluralism, and federal structure. Since independence, India has witnessed the growth of numerous political…
Nature and pattern of protest movements in India
Protest movements in India have been a crucial aspect of its democratic landscape, reflecting the diversity of the country and the multiplicity of issues that people face. These movements have played a pivotal role in shaping social, political, and economic change. From colonial times to the present day, protests have acted as a medium through…
Electoral reforms
Electoral reforms refer to the deliberate changes made to improve the fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency of the electoral process in a democratic country. In India, where democracy functions through regular elections, electoral reforms are critical for ensuring free and fair elections, preventing malpractices, improving voter participation, and strengthening democratic institutions. Since independence, India has…
Political forces have worked towards reducing the centre’s grip over the states
The relationship between the central government and state governments in India has been a subject of constant tension and negotiation, especially in the post-independence period. While the Indian Constitution established a federal structure, the central government has often been accused of consolidating power at the center, limiting the autonomy of the states. However, over the…
Linguistic Minorities and Politics
Linguistic minorities have played a significant role in the shaping of political dynamics in India, given the country’s rich diversity of languages and ethnic groups. The recognition and rights of linguistic minorities have been central to Indian politics, particularly in the context of the demands for linguistic state formation, language-based movements, and the protection of…
The Marxist framework to analyze state politics
The Marxist framework provides a distinctive lens to understand state politics, emphasizing the role of class struggle, economic relations, and the underlying power structures in shaping political processes. In the Marxist view, the state is not an impartial institution, but rather an instrument of class domination that serves the interests of the ruling class. By…
Nature of self-determination movements in India
Self-determination movements in India have historically been driven by the desire for greater autonomy, independence, or recognition of specific identities by various groups, often in response to perceived political, cultural, or economic marginalization. These movements have been central to the evolution of Indian politics, particularly in the context of colonial rule, post-independence governance, and regional…
Main features of state politics in India since the 1980s
State politics in India since the 1980s have evolved in response to a variety of economic, social, and political factors. This period has seen a transformation in the role and dynamics of state governments, including shifts in power, political alignments, and state policies. Some of the major features of state politics in India since the…
The reasons for the assertion of backward classes in Indian politics
The assertion of backward classes in Indian politics has been one of the most significant and transformative developments in the country’s political and social landscape. Historically marginalized and discriminated against, the backward classes—comprising primarily of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs)—have increasingly demanded greater political representation, social justice, and…